At the Rotary Centre for the Arts, we know that early access to arts education is essential for a child’s development. Exposure to the arts supports academic growth, nurtures emotional and social maturity, and broadens a child’s perspective on the world. Investing in the creative development of youth is an investment in the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow.

Our commitment to youth arts education comes to life through three dedicated programs: Arts Discovery School Programs, Arts Blast Kids Camps, and Youth Art Lab. Each continues to grow, with Arts Discovery welcoming approximately 4,200 students each year and Arts Blast Camps engaging nearly 600 campers in the past year alone. Together, these initiatives create accessible pathways for families and schools to nurture creativity, helping children build skills, confidence, and imagination as they learn to understand and navigate the world around them.

Beyond these core programs, we also offer a range of after-school and family-focused opportunities. Weekly programs like 2D Animation support skill development and creative exploration, while family arts experiences such as Family Musical Theatre invite all ages to create, connect, and share in the joy of the arts together.

Our Programs Coordinator, Angela Roy, highlights the impact of these programs. "At the RCA, we believe the arts are more than skills, they’re a first language of human expression that connects children and youth to creativity, community, and confidence. By bringing students into professional arts spaces and giving them opportunities to explore music, movement, theatre, and visual art, we help them find their voice and see that creative pursuits are possible for everyone."

Arts Discovery

Arts Discovery invites students at the Primary, Intermediate, and Secondary levels to explore the performing arts through hands-on experiences in music, dance, theatre, martial arts, and circus arts. Two offerings are also available in French: The Art of Clowning and Improv and World Rhythm, Songs, and Stories. Developed in collaboration with RCA instructors and UBCO education students, Arts Discovery is aligned with the BC School Curriculum, ensuring a high-quality learning experience that supports both academic achievement and personal growth.

Through Arts Discovery, curiosity is sparked, creativity is encouraged, and self-expression is celebrated. In a supportive and engaging environment, students build technical skills, strengthen critical thinking, and develop collaboration, confidence, and empathy, deepening their connection to the arts and to their community.

Arts Blast Kids Camps

For children ages 5 to 12, Arts Blast Kids Camps combine immersive arts education with fun, engaging activities. Campers explore visual and performing arts, build confidence, and strengthen social connections. Each camp concludes with a showcase in the Mary Irwin Theatre, where friends and family are invited to celebrate the children’s creative achievements.

These camps encourage artistic exploration for children of all experience levels. By nurturing creativity and teamwork, Arts Blast equips children with skills that extend beyond the arts and into everyday life. We are grateful for the past support from the Stober Foundation to help send children from Mamas for Mamas families to art camps.

Dates for 2026 Spring and Summer Camps are now available.

Youth Art Lab

One of our newest programs, Youth Art Lab, is an after-school drop-in program for kids ages 9 and up. Every Tuesday, participants gather in the Harmony Paint Studio to explore creativity, work on projects, and connect with peers under the guidance of an on-site artist facilitator.

Youth Art Lab provides a safe, welcoming space for children to express themselves, build friendships, and recharge after school. By offering access to affordable, supervised creative programming, this program encourages imagination, skill-building, and confidence. Supported by Upstream Kelowna.

Why Early Access to Arts Education Matters

Early access to arts education gives children more than artistic skills as it fosters curiosity, confidence, and emotional growth. Programs like Arts Discovery, Arts Blast Kids Camps, and Youth Art Lab provide spaces where children can explore, experiment, and express themselves, while developing critical thinking, resilience, and empathy.

By engaging with the arts from a young age, children also learn to collaborate, connect with their community, and see the world in new ways. Investing in arts education is an investment in a child’s imagination, their personal growth, and the creative future of our community. At the RCA, we are proud to provide these opportunities and inspire the next generation of artists, thinkers, and innovators.